How do you react if you are first at an accident?

TRNC · 20 Dec 2011 at 13:42

This morning I was first on scene at an accident on the A30 near exeter, it happened 100m in front of me and invloved a lorry hitting a farm loader vehicle from behind at 60-65mph.

I was totally amazed that only 1 other person actually got out of their cars to come and help and see if everyone was ok, the carriage way was totally blocked so its not like they were going anywhere but as the cars pulled up behind mine not one person bothered to get out and assist.

It really shocked me that people would sit and watch a serious accident which has just happened without so much as asking if they can help or seeing if those involved are alright.

So, what would you do??? Are you a sit in your car where its warm and you can ignore whats happened, or would you get out and help?

TRNC · 20 Dec 2011 at 13:50

I appreciate those who are back in the traffic are unlikely to assist unless they are off duty police, doctor or similar.

But it was those who were clearly 3rd, 4th, 5th arriving on scene literally with debris still falling and smoke clearing that I had expected to do a bit more :confused:

TRNC · 20 Dec 2011 at 19:39

As has been said above your own safety is critical, the first thing I did was put on a flourescent vest as carried for continental trips, nice and handy in the door pocket, I also retrieved my fire extinguisher from the boot as the loader was smoking a lot due to hydraulic oil and diesel spilling over the hot engine.

Its good to see others would do the same and help out, I hope that if I ever need it someone like that comes to my help rather than the useless gawpers who watched this morning.

TRNC · 21 Dec 2011 at 12:38

hurfdurf said:
I have a friend who is a surgeon who has said he won't help it he is off duty because his insurance won't cover him and he has heard too many stories of his colleagues getting sued after the incident for getting involved and ambulance chasers convincing people that proper care wasnt taken. Not sure I could not get involved myself.

Not true. My wife is a Surgeon and they are actually legally bound by the oath they took becoming a doctor to help!